PEST Analysis of Cairo

City review, featuring a PEST analysis, local insight, and more

Introduction

Our research on Cairo, Egypt is one component of our comprehensive coverage of all cities and towns globally with a population exceeding 50,000. This includes a thorough examination of the city’s PEST factors, business climate, transportation infrastructure, and market projections. Our schedule guarantees that this information is regularly updated to provide the most current insights.

Premium members have exclusive access to the complete study on Cairo, which includes a PEST analysis, market outlook, and numerous other valuable sections.

City Description

Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and a complex geopolitical landscape. Located in the northeastern part of Africa, on the banks of the Nile River, Cairo is the largest city in the Arab world and the 15th largest city in the world by population. Geopolitically, Cairo is a major player in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It is the political, cultural, and economic centre of Egypt, a country that has long been a key player in regional and global affairs. As a result, Cairo holds significant influence in the region and is often referred to as the "Paris of the Middle East" due to its cosmopolitan nature and its role as a hub for trade, education, and tourism. One of the key geopolitical factors that shape Cairo is its strategic location. Situated at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, Cairo serves as a gateway between these regions, making it a vital hub for transportation and trade. This has contributed to its economic growth and has made it an attractive destination for foreign investment. Another significant aspect of Cairo's geopolitical landscape is its political stability. Despite periods of political unrest and turmoil, the city has remained a relatively stable and secure centre for business and commerce. This is largely due to the strong centralised government and the military's influence in the country. However, the recent political changes in the region, such as the Arab Spring, have brought about some challenges to Cairo's stability. Cairo is also home to several international organisations and institutions, including the League of Arab States and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation. These organisations play a significant role in shaping regional policies and promoting cooperation among Arab nations. Moreover, Cairo's cultural and historical significance cannot be overlooked. The city is home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. These attractions attract millions of tourists each year and contribute greatly to the city's economy.

Local Culture

City culture drives economic growth by shaping its social environment and attracting tourists, entrepreneurs, and talent. It fosters social cohesion and boosts productivity, while cultural activities diversify the economy and support sustainable, inclusive development.

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a city with a rich and diverse local culture. The people of Cairo are known for their warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel welcomed and at home. The city's culture is heavily influenced by its ancient history and deep-rooted traditions, which can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. Family and community values are highly important in Cairo, and the local culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, family ties, and religious traditions. Traditional music, dance, and art are also an integral part of Cairo's culture, showcasing its vibrant and colourful heritage.

Table of Contents

Save to Library

Add to library
Remove from library

Industries

Below is a list of industry verticals that are intrinsic to the local region:

  • Tourism
  • Textile manufacturing
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Oil and gas production
  • Retail
  • Banking and finance
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Information technology.

Business Environment

A city's business environment drives growth, attracting investment and supporting economic development. Key elements such as infrastructure, policies, skilled labour, and a strong customer base can boost productivity and profitability.

By promoting fair trade, streamlining processes, and ensuring legal and infrastructure support, cities foster a resilient economy and broader socioeconomic growth.

Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is a dynamic and bustling metropolis that serves as the heart of the country's economy. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, Cairo has evolved into a major business hub in the Middle East, attracting both domestic and international investors. One of the key factors driving the business environment in Cairo is its strategic location. Situated on the banks of the Nile River, Cairo serves as a gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe, making it a prime location for trade and commerce. The city is also well-connected with a modern transportation system, including an international airport and a major seaport, enabling smooth movement of goods and people. In recent years, Cairo has witnessed significant economic growth, with a focus on diversifying its economy beyond traditional sectors such as tourism and agriculture. The government has implemented various economic reforms and policies aimed at creating a more business-friendly environment, including streamlining bureaucratic processes and reducing barriers to entry for foreign investors. Moreover, Cairo's population of over 20 million provides a large and diverse consumer base, making it an attractive market for businesses across various industries. The city also boasts a well-educated workforce, with a high number of universities and technical institutes, providing a skilled labour pool for businesses to tap into. However, the business environment in Cairo is not without its challenges. The city faces issues such as high unemployment rates, income disparity, and political instability, which can impact businesses and their operations. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the economy, leading to a decrease in tourism and a slowdown in economic activities.

Local Workforce and Labour

The local workforce drives economic growth, supports innovation, and attracts businesses by reducing recruitment costs. Employed residents expand the tax base, funding infrastructure and services, while promoting social cohesion and reducing inequality.

A skilled, diverse workforce is essential for a city’s prosperity, sustainability, and appeal as a place to live and work.

The labour market in Cairo, Egypt is a dynamic and diverse landscape, with a variety of industries and job opportunities. The city is home to a large pool of skilled and educated professionals, making it a hub for businesses and organisations. The labour force in Cairo is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on technical and specialised skills. The city's economy is driven by key sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and services, providing a range of job prospects for both local and international workers. However, unemployment remains a pressing issue, particularly among youth and women. Despite this, the labour market in Cairo continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs of the global economy.

Current Population

Population size and demographics are vital to a city’s economy. A larger population attracts investment and supports business growth, while decline can limit services and deter investment, creating economic challenges.

The current population of Cairo is 20,296,000.

Unlock the rest of this PEST analysis and city review

Only Premium members gain FULL ACCESS to this city report, along with thousands of business intelligence reports covering 10,000 companies, 100+ industry verticals, 7,000 cities, and 177 countries.

Premium membership costs $65 per month, or $595 annually.

Transport & Infrastructure

Transport infrastructure drives economic growth by connecting people, goods, and services, boosting business efficiency and market access. It enhances workforce mobility, attracts investment, creates jobs, and supports tourism. Better transport systems improve quality of life by reducing commute times, increasing safety, and lowering environmental impact.

The city of Cairo, Egypt, is home to over 20 million people and is a bustling hub of economic, cultural, and political activity. However, with such a large population, the city faces significant challenges in terms of transport and infrastructure. The current transportation system in Cairo is heavily reliant on road networks, leading to severe traffic congestion and air pollution. To address these issues, the government has invested in building a new subway system and expanding the existing metro lines. Additionally, efforts have been made to improve road conditions and implement more sustainable modes of transportation, such as bike-sharing programs. These developments in transport and infrastructure are crucial for the continued growth and development of Cairo as a global city.

Market Outlook

Understanding city market trends helps businesses optimize strategy, investment, and workforce planning while offering a competitive edge. Policymakers use trends to shape regulations and infrastructure, while urban developers align plans for housing, transport, and recreation to future needs.

Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, has long been a hub of economic and cultural activity in the Middle East. With a population of over 20 million people, it is not only the largest city in Egypt but also one of the largest in Africa. As such, it plays a critical role in the country's economy and is a key indicator of its overall economic health. In recent years, Cairo has shown promising signs of economic growth and development. The country's GDP has been steadily increasing, with an average annual growth rate of 5% over the past decade. This growth has been primarily driven by the service sector, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of the city's economy. One of the key drivers of Cairo's economic growth has been its tourism industry. The city is home to some of the world's most iconic ancient wonders, such as the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, making it a popular destination for tourists. In 2019, Egypt saw a record-breaking 13.6 million tourists, with a significant portion of them visiting Cairo. This influx of tourists has not only boosted the city's economy but also created jobs and opportunities for local businesses. In addition to tourism, Cairo's strategic location has made it a major trade and transport hub for the region. The city's ports and airports play a vital role in facilitating trade between Egypt and other countries, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. This has helped to diversify the city's economy and reduce its reliance on any one sector. Another promising trend for the city is the growth of its technology sector. Over the past few years, Cairo has seen a rise in the number of tech start-ups and investments in the industry. The city's young and educated population, coupled with government initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, has created a conducive environment for the growth of the tech sector. This has not only created jobs but also attracted foreign investment and boosted the city's global competitiveness. However, despite these positive trends, Cairo still faces some economic challenges. The unemployment rate in the city remains high, particularly among youth and women. Additionally, the country's political instability and security concerns have had a negative impact on its economy, deterring some investors and tourists from visiting the city.

PEST Analysis

Cities are influenced by various factors, and a PEST analysis helps urban planners, councils, and businesses assess key macro-environmental elements:

  • Political: Policies, regulations, and stability impact growth and investment attractiveness
  • Economic: Employment, inflation, and income levels shape the city’s business climate and growth potential
  • Social: Demographics and cultural trends help businesses align their strategies with local preferences
  • Technological: Technological advancements enhance infrastructure, services, and business efficiency

A PEST analysis provides insights for informed decision-making on growth and investment.

Political Factors:

Cairo, the capital and largest city of Egypt, is a major political, cultural, and economic hub in the Middle East. However, the city has been facing numerous political challenges in recent years. The country has undergone significant political changes with the 2011 revolution, followed by multiple changes in government and military interventions. This has led to a certain level of instability and uncertainty in the city, impacting the business environment. Additionally, the government of Egypt has a strong presence in Cairo, with most major decisions and policies being made in the capital. The city also houses important government institutions, such as the Egyptian parliament and the Supreme Constitutional Court. Political unrest and frequent changes in government can affect the stability and predictability of the business environment in Cairo.

Economic Factors:

Cairo is the economic centre of Egypt, contributing to about 22% of the country's GDP. The city has a diverse economy, with industries such as tourism, manufacturing, and services playing a significant role. However, the economy of Cairo has been facing challenges such as high unemployment rates, inflation, and a widening income gap. The tourism industry, which is a major contributor to the city's economy, has been greatly affected by political instability and security concerns. This has led to a decline in the number of tourists visiting the city, resulting in a significant loss of revenue. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the city's economy, with a decline in economic activity and a decrease in foreign investments.

Social Factors:

Cairo is a culturally diverse city, with a population of over 20 million people, making it one of the largest cities in Africa. The city is also home to a large number of expatriates, adding to its cultural diversity. However, social issues such as high population density, poverty, and income inequality are prevalent in the city. The rapid population growth has led to challenges such as inadequate housing, sanitation, and infrastructure. This has also resulted in a strain on the city's resources and services, leading to social tensions and unrest.

Technological Factors:

Cairo has made significant advancements in technology, with the government investing in infrastructure and digitalisation initiatives. The city has a well-developed transportation system, with a metro system and a network of highways connecting different parts of the city. This has improved connectivity and facilitated the movement of people and goods. What's more, the city has a growing start-up scene, with a number of tech companies and incubators emerging in recent years. The government has also implemented initiatives to promote e-commerce and digital payments, creating a more favourable environment for businesses in the city. However, the digital divide between urban and rural areas in Egypt is still significant, with limited access to technology and internet connectivity outside of major cities like Cairo. This can impact the adoption and implementation of new technologies in the country. Conclusion:

Appendices

The appendices section of this city report contains supplementary information we deem helpful in providing an understanding of the topics covered.

Further Information

To gain full access to this and thousands of additional city, company and industry reports, become a Premium member.

If you cannot find the desired information for the city you are researching then please reach out to our analysis team.

Methodology

This report forms part of our city analysis series, which covers every town and city in the world with a population over 50,000.

The analysis is based on information and learning from the following sources:

  • Proprietary databases
  • Government reports
  • NGO websites
  • API feeds
  • Desk research

Keywords

Related keywords:

More Cities

Disclaimer

All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of the content produced in this report is prohibited without the prior permission of the publisher, Platform Executive Pty Ltd.

The facts of this report have been gathered in good faith from both primary and secondary sources. It is believed to be correct at the time of publication, but cannot be guaranteed. As such Platform Executive can accept no liability whatever for actions taken based on any information that may subsequently prove to be incorrect.